A February visit to the ferns at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden

Walking from the parking lot to the garden things felt much more open than in the past, some trees seemed to be missing, perhaps storm casualties? There were definitely signs of the cold and it's nasty effects in the garden, like this brown Heptapleurum taiwanianum (Schefflera taiwaniana).
I accidently managed to capture signs of tree removal as well (look in the background).
Time had gotten away from us on our drive up, so I had to prioritize what I saw, would you believe ferns were top of the list? I know, I gave it away in the title.

I was curious how their pyrrosia fared this winter to I made a beeline to this patch. Flawless!
It's planted near this mossy fallen tree.
I should have been more proactive after our January storm and went out hunting for a fallen mossy log or two to haul home.
Oh my! I think those are Magnolia macrophylla leaves (or similar). I've always wondered what they'd look like if I left mine in place over the winter, rather than picking them up. 
To the stumpery! That's a well protected (from cold) tree fern, Dicksonia antarctica, on the far left.
Rhododendron sinogrande, Woodwardia unigemmata beneath.
Saxifraga 'Primuloides' (I think).
I love these next three shots so much! It's winter, and yet there's still so much going on here.


Pyrrosia sheareri looking fantastic.
The Hardy Fern Foundation had a cutback work party at the garden just this last weekend, I so wish I could have been a part of that. 
Yep, more pyrrosia, these planted in a stump (it is a stumpery after all).
Steve Hootman (Executive Director and Curator and the garden) has done a lot of plant exploring and brought back great pyrrosia species that are planted out in the garden. I bought one of these plants at the garden nursery during this visit.
Love the Lonicera crassifolia...
Close-up.
Polypodium scouleri
Epimedium and moss are a great match.

Pyrrosia lingua I believe (on the stump).
Their pyrrosia all look so good. I wish mine did (winter was harsher here).
Their aspidistra look a lot better than mine too. 
Okay, time to tuck into the conservatory to warm up a bit before making another trip through the nursery to decide on my purchases (I bought the aforementioned pyrrosia, a pair of Gaultheria nummularioides and a Rhododendron nakaharae 'Mariko'). 

Curculigo sp., love those pleats!
I keep telling myself I'm going to create a growing column like this and plant it up with pyrrosia and other treasures.
Someday...
Adiantum hispidulum, rough maidenhair fern (I believe).
Rhododendron boothii

Nice flowers and colorful new foliage, too bad it's not hardy.
I had to pay my respects to the pyrrosia in the corner...
And admire their tall Brassaiopsis hispida, then it was time to leave.
If you're signed up for The Fling this summer you'll be visiting the RSBG! Yay! If you're not signed up there are a few places still available...